Purgatory 1923

"Purgatory," a 1923 watercolor by Magnus Enckell, depicts a scene of intense emotion. The composition is divided into two sections, the upper one featuring a figure reaching upwards against a background of swirling colors, likely representing the heavens. Below, a figure is draped in a red cloth and embraces another, creating a sense of sorrow and despair. Enckell's expressive lines and use of color contribute to the dramatic mood of the painting, highlighting the struggle and emotional weight of purgatory. This artwork showcases Enckell's signature style, characterized by vivid colors and bold, expressive brushstrokes, which he employed to explore themes of spirituality and human emotion.